Walmart worker protests Thanksgiving hours

Store will open at 8 p.m. Thursday

The store's move to open on Thanksgiving has propelled efforts nationwide by an organized group of workers to strike on the busiest shopping day of the year.

Walmart worker protests Thanksgiving hours

Store will open at 8 p.m. Thursday

Share

Shares

Copy Link

{copyShortcut} to copy
Link copied!

Updated: 11:48 PM CST Nov 21, 2012

KENOSHA, Wis. —

A Kenosha woman is protesting Walmart’s decision to open on Thanksgiving.

Advertisement

Mary Pat Tifft has been with the company for almost 25 years. She said many of her co-workers worry about losing their jobs if they speak out against Walmart. The Black Friday issue, she said, is just the start.

When she heard the company would start Black Friday sales at 8 p.m. Thursday, two hours earlier than last year, she couldn’t let that pass.

“How can a company that’s pro-family not allow its associates to be able to spend an American national, traditional holiday with their families?” she asked.

The store’s move has propelled efforts nationwide by an organized group of workers to strike on the busiest shopping day of the year.

Citing low wages and poor work environment, company vice president David Tovar blamed the anger on a small group.

Tovar said any disruption would not impact store employees or shoppers. Meanwhile, Tifft said the Black Friday issue is secondary to worker’s rights complaints.

“So much retaliation has happened to my fellow employees, to my fellow associates, the country because they found their voice and are willing to speak up,” Tifft said. “And all we’re doing is speaking up about the low wages and we just want respect.”

When doors open at 8 p.m. Thursday, Tifft will take part in what has become a nationwide protest leading up to Black Friday.